8 minute read
People of Tanglin
from The Voice 38
PEOPLE TANGLINof
Whether it’s through sustainability, art or discussions on diversity, the People of Tanglin are passionate about changing lives for the better. Who are they? Let’s find out.
Josephine Chang
Junior Resource Assistant, Junior Library
I joined Tanglin in August 2001. Prior to Tanglin, I was a stay-athome-mum. When my son was old enough to be independent, I decided to find a full-time job. My friend told me about a housekeeping assistant role at Tanglin, so I applied and started working here. Two years later, I moved on to the Reprographics unit, where I stayed for five years.
Tell us more about your current role at the Junior School.
at the Junior library, focusing on library-specific duties such as the return, scanning and general organisation of library books and resources. My current role is perfect for me as I enjoy organising things. I also help in the preparation of art and craft materials for the children, using recycled items such as styrofoam fruit wrappers, plastic bottles, used fabric, etc. I am very passionate about sustainability and recycling, so I truly love what I do.
The best part about working in Tanglin is the opportunity for growth. I learn something new daily, and very often it’s the children whom I am learning new things from. Moving forward, I hope to be able to learn more IT related skills, especially from my younger, more tech-savvy bosses and colleagues!
Richie Baxter
Head of Arts Faculty, Senior Music
When did you join Tanglin? What’s been the most fulfilling part of your career here?
I joined in 2006 and taught in Scotland for two years after graduating. Tanglin has a thriving, vibrant and energetic Arts programme that plays such an important part in school life, and it has been a pleasure to be part of delivering and building this over the years. From Nursery to Sixth Form, there are many opportunities for students to develop their skills in art, design, drama, music, and filmmaking; facilitating their creative, social, and intellectual development. Our students are inspired by specialist teachers, visiting artists and, very often, one another, to achieve their personal best.
What’s the best thing about working in a school, especially one like Tanglin?
In my role as Head of Arts Faculty, it has been a pleasure to work and collaborate with so many talented Arts specialists, whose main goal is to create the best opportunities for our students. Even during the pandemic, the Arts staff tackled challenges head-on with an ‘out of the box’ approach to find new and innovative ways for the students to create, collaborate and share their talents with the community. As the restrictions were lifted this year, our outstanding team of teachers and technicians worked very hard to create and produce numerous events and live performances for Tanglin’s aspiring artists to share their talents. These events include Evening of Jazz, Oliver, student-led dance showcase, ARTiculation, our Summer Arts exhibition, Senior Ensembles Concert at the Victoria Concert Hall, and recently hosting the Across Asia Youth Film Festival.
What are your hopes for the future?
I am looking forward to utilising the state-of-the-art facilities at the Tanglin Centenary Building when it is ready. It has fantastic resources and offers many new opportunities for our young artists. Also, with the school’s centenary year on the horizon, the Arts Faculty will play a huge role in celebrating this with the school community. I have spent most of my teaching career at Tanglin and look forward to many more years inspiring and working with the artistic talent of tomorrow. »
Josephine (Josie) Allen
Head of English and PPRS Faculty Chairperson, Tanglin Senior School’s DEIJ Committee
I joined Tanglin in 2019 as Head of English Faculty, so much of my time here has been marked by COVID. I would still say it has been the most rewarding time of my career so far, which is testament to what an amazing school and community Tanglin is! Before Tanglin, I was Head of English Faculty at Harrow International School in Bangkok, and before that I worked as a teacher and Assistant Head of Faculty in Bristol, UK.
Tell us more about yourself.
I am positive, enthusiastic, and passionate! I am guided by a strong belief in an equitable and just society in both my personal and professional lives, and I am committed to the work Tanglin is doing to further Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) in the school and wider community.
Tanglin is an incredible community of learners, both in the students who are curious and engaged in their studies, and the teachers, who are committed to learning and growing professionally. I’m currently very rewarded by the work we are doing to develop DEIJ in Tanglin. It is often deep and challenging work, but vital for our whole community. It has been incredibly fulfilling to take part in this alongside so many other dedicated colleagues across the school community.
What’s the best thing about working here?
The students of course! No two days are ever the same, and I feel very fortunate to have a career where you genuinely feel you are making a difference to the future of young people. I believe that future generations hold the key to creating a more equitable and just world, and it is so rewarding to feel that in some way you are contributing to that process.
What are your hopes for the future?
I feel that we all, and particularly young people, have lived through a very difficult few years, with the COVID pandemic and now the conflict in Ukraine. I can only hope that we learn from these terrible events
and move forward as a more united global community. The DEIJ work we are doing in Tanglin gives me hope of that, as does speaking to young people. I love listening to their insights about the issues affecting all of our lives and seeing their drive to make the world a better place.
PE Specialist, Head of Touch Football, Head of Winchester
I joined Tanglin as a supply teacher in 2008, when my partner was offered a role in Singapore. Before that I was the Head of the PE Department at Mulberry School for Girls in Whitechapel, East London. I had an amazing five years there, learning all about the different cultures and coaching girls to play football and basketball across inner city London. In 2010, I gained a full teaching post at Tanglin, with the responsibility of coaching Touch Football. Although Touch wasn’t a sport that I was familiar with, I realised that having a competitive background in Rugby Union 15’s and 7’s allowed me to bring transferable knowledge and passion into a new sport, which is now my “identity” within the school.
The most fulfilling part of my career at Tanglin is seeing the students continue to play Touch once they have left school and start University. I have 11 alumni players (both boys and girls) who have gone on to represent for their countries, students who have set up their own university’s sides, students who have gone on to play for both Premier clubs and university teams and students who have just enjoyed the game at Tanglin and continued to play at a recreational level years after leaving school. To know that they have continued to play and represent, means the experience they gained playing Touch at Tanglin was one of fun times.
Àlex Bosch Susagna
Assistant Headteacher (Academic), Senior School
How long have you been with Tanglin? What did you do before you joined Tanglin?
This is my 15th year at Tanglin. Before I came here, I was in the UK and Spain. Tanglin has a worldwide reputation for excellence and upon looking for an international posting, it quickly stood out as one of the top options. Living in Asia and particularly Singapore was (and still is) very appealing to me, too.
What do you love best about working in Tanglin?
The most fulfilling part of my career at Tanglin is observing the growth of the young people we educate. One of the things that define Tanglin for me is how many students come back to visit after graduating. It is such a special occasion when students who are at university come back to Singapore and make the trip to school to see their former teachers and share their amazing experiences. Their excitement in returning to Tanglin is very indicative of the sort of experience students have here.
What are some of your best memories in Tanglin?
a group of Tanglin students my home country and share my culture with them. After a few years as the Head of the Languages and Classics Faculty, I started my new role as Assistant Head (Academic) in the Senior School. With an extremely exciting new Leadership team, I am looking forward to working with my colleagues and contributing to the outstanding work that happens daily in school. ■
